For the 2027 intake, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) offers one undergraduate nursing qualification: the four-year Bachelor of Nursing (W65004) on the Mthatha campus. You need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s endorsement, a minimum admission point score (APS) of 24 on WSU’s own scale, and level 4 (50-59%) in English or an African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and one other subject, as set out in the WSU 2027 undergraduate brochure.
General applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026, so the window is still open but short. International applications closed on 30 September 2026. Apply through the WSU online application portal.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing (W65004), NQF level 8, 480 credits, four years, Mthatha campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- NSC with a Bachelor’s endorsement
- Minimum APS of 24, using WSU’s own conversion table
- Level 4 (50-59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language) or any other African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and one other subject, excluding Life Orientation
- Application fee of R100, non-refundable
- General applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026
These figures apply to the 2027 intake only. Use the current brochure rather than older lists, because requirements change between intakes.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
WSU states that degree applicants must hold an NSC with a Bachelor’s endorsement, at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, and level 4 (50-59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation. That is the university-wide minimum for a degree; the nursing programme then sets its own subject levels and APS on top, as described below.
The qualification is a four-year programme. Nursing education is regulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC): the Council’s February 2026 accredited-university list includes the WSU Bachelor of Nursing, with an intake of 50 students and one intake a year. Under regulation R.174 for professional nurse and midwife programmes, registration also requires you to complete community service.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
WSU calculates your APS from your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, converting each percentage with WSU’s own table. This is not the same scale as other universities, so an APS from another university’s calculator will not carry over. For the Bachelor of Nursing the minimum is 24.
- English Home or First Additional Language (or any other African language): level 4 (50-59%)
- Mathematics: level 4 (50-59%)
- Physical Science: level 4 (50-59%)
- Life Science: level 4 (50-59%)
- One other subject, excluding Life Orientation: level 4 (50-59%)
Life Science and Physical Science are both required, not preferred. Mathematics is required; Mathematical Literacy is not listed for this programme. Meeting these minimums does not secure a place, because WSU applies additional selection criteria to the final selection and refers applicants to the faculty prospectus.
Documents and Application Requirements
WSU’s application process asks you to upload the following. Each file may be a PDF, PNG or JPEG of up to 5 MB.
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- A certified copy of your passport, for international applicants
- A copy of your matric or other academic results
- A June Grade 12 report, which WSU lists for Medicine and Health Sciences applicants; the Bachelor of Nursing sits in that faculty, so have it ready
The application fee is R100 and is non-refundable. WSU warns that it must never be paid into an individual’s bank account, so pay only through the channels shown in the application process. Other documents, such as health or clinical-placement requirements, are not part of WSU’s published application list; ask the faculty before you apply.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 June 2026. General applications close on 31 October 2026 and international applications closed on 30 September 2026. The brochure does not state the number of first-year places, but SANC’s list shows an accredited intake of 50 students a year for this programme, so places are limited.
Because selection involves criteria beyond the APS, apply early, check the faculty prospectus for any extra steps, and apply to more than one institution. Only a SANC-accredited programme leads to registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Walter Sisulu University nursing requirements for 2027?
An NSC with a Bachelor’s endorsement, an APS of at least 24 on WSU’s scale, and level 4 (50-59%) in English or an African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and one other subject.
Where is WSU nursing taught?
WSU’s 2027 brochure lists the Bachelor of Nursing on the Mthatha campus, in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Which nursing qualification does WSU offer?
The 2027 undergraduate brochure lists one: the four-year Bachelor of Nursing (W65004). Confirm any other nursing offering directly with WSU.
Does WSU accept Mathematical Literacy for nursing?
The Bachelor of Nursing lists Mathematics at level 4, and Mathematical Literacy is not listed.
When do WSU applications close?
General applications for the 2027 intake close on 31 October 2026. International applications closed on 30 September 2026. The fee is R100.
Confirm requirements and dates with WSU, and accreditation with the South African Nursing Council. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.